Barnsley boss Simon Davey felt "unnerved" after witnessing Chelsea destroy Olympiacos in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.Davey opted to watch Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final opponents in the flesh as Avram Grant's side took on the Greeks for a place in the last eight.
It was an eye-opening experience for Davey as Chelsea romped into the quarter-finals courtesy of goals from Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Salomon Kalou in a 3-0 victory.
Now Davey has the uneviable task of trying to stop a team that has suffered just three defeats in 37 matches since Grant took charge, losing only to Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs.
"I did have a plan, but then I went to watch them, and now I'm not sure I've the same plan," said Davey.
"It was certainly an experience. It's all very well watching them on the telly, but I felt it was important I saw them up close, and I have to say I was quite unnerved.
"When you see them on telly, you don't see the big picture. Their movement and pace at which they pass the ball is on a different planet to ourselves.
"I have to admit it caught me by surprise. Their awareness, touch is amazing. Every decision they make is the right one.
"When you are in the Championship, League One and League Two, you have good players, but their decisions at times are not like those that Premier League players make.
"In the end they played Olympiacos off the park. They went there a Champions League team, and yet it was men versus boys.
"I'm sure we can give them a better game. Hopefully we don't catch Chelsea on a day like I saw them, and they catch us on one of our good days.
"If that happens the margin between us will be a little smaller, and maybe we can get the result we need."
The Tykes have already upset the odds once this season when they conjured one of the greatest FA Cup shocks for many a year with their 2-1 win at Liverpool three weeks ago.
Although Barnsley have not won their four Championship games since that historic day, Davey sees no reason why his side cannot pull another rabbit out of the hat, insisting: "Anything's possible.
"Nobody gave us a chance when we went to Anfield. Even ourselves, the management staff, were just hoping to be at 110% and maybe catch Liverpool on an off day.
"We went there, enjoyed the day and we came away with the right result and that's because there's a belief amongst my players we can win any game.
"There is also no fear factor. There was no fear at Anfield, and I'm sure there were will be no fear on Saturday.
"When they step out in front of the Oakwell crowd, I'm sure their chests will be out and they'll put in a performance that will make everybody proud - and if that takes us to a win, then so be it.
"But they have to go out and believe they can get a result, get in the faces of the Chelsea players and make sure it is an uncomfortable day for them.
"Opportunities like this don't come along very often, but it did at Liverpool, and I have belief in them they can do it again."
More Football News from TEAMtalk



